The Spa 24 Hour, the world’s biggest GT3 sportscar race, occurred in Belgium this past weekend. This challenging event saw 63 GT3 cars, including six BMW M4 GT3s, compete fiercely. Entries came from ROWE Racing, BMW M Team WRT, Century Motorsport, and OQ by Oman Racing. Despite not being the fastest in qualifying, BMWs received a weight and ride height adjustment before the race.
Rain and thunderstorms added to the race’s difficulty. At halfway, the WRT #32 M4 GT3 led but fell to third due to a time penalty, maintaining this position till the end behind an Aston Martin and a Ferrari. Other BMW entries faced various setbacks, with only the #32 car securing a podium finish.
The race was a true test of endurance and skill, with teams battling not just their rivals but also the unpredictable weather. Each pit stop and driver change was crucial, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions played a significant role in the outcome. The #32 team’s clean racing and minimal mistakes were key factors in their podium finish, showcasing the M4 GT3’s resilience and competitiveness.
This result marks the M4 GT3’s presence on the podium in all three major 24-hour endurance races in June, following successes at Nürburgring and Le Mans. The Spa 24 Hour is part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, with the final round set for Indianapolis later this year. BMW’s championship hopes hinge on their European teams’ participation in this decisive race.